Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Sept 17, 2011 17:47:43 GMT -5
[This is an RP for Haruka, Kasumi and I, if anyone else wants to join, PM us for permission.]
The two riders approached Shiro Utaku. At the entrance they were stopped by two guards. Tomatsu reached into his saddle back and produced its papers. Apparently they weren't amused by the presence of the Lion Champion. His papers were in order, issued by the Khan himself, an invitation to visit Shiro Utaku and to look at their family records and vault, a chance to reconnect with his heritage. He spured his horse on, letting the Utaku men guide him to the stables. He knew that the Utaku were a strange family and blessed the kami for making him an Akodo man rather than a Utaku man.
He dismounted and turned to his traveling companion. Bayushi-san, did the travel not injure you further? Your husband would have my head if it did. Also my dear thank you for accompanying me on this journey, I would not think of exploring my own family history without my loyal former Shiotome friend at my side to explain your family's traditions.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 17, 2011 18:16:00 GMT -5
"Oh no Akodo-sama, I am quite well. So long as I don't engage in battle for the time being I should be all right. I have never been away from this place for so long in my life."
She took in a deep breath of the sweet summer air. Her stallion went back to his place in the stable without requiring a guide. This was where he was born as well, and walking on this earth again was just the same as breathing. This was where they once called home.
"Our traditions are not so strange really. Our men are still trained in the ways of infantry combat, and their ranks support the women in war. We understand the importance of both aspects of combat, with and without a mount."
She was wearing her brilliant head wrap that Tomatsu had gifted her for her wedding, as it covered her face and her expression. But her eyes seemed to narrow as she smiled and kept a very comforting tone. Frankly she too was excited to be back in her own territory, as before the war had broken out she had contemplated returning. She never imagined she would have such high ranking company.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Sept 17, 2011 18:53:49 GMT -5
In the middle of kenjutsu practice with one of her Shiotome, she spotted her cousin looking her side. Waved at her partner and nodded, ending their match. She tightened her uwagi and hakama and walked to the redhaired man.
What is so important, that you disturb my practice, Kael? She wasn't happy, that's for sure. Didn't even try to brush locks of hair that slip from her ponytail and stuck to her forehead. Her typically pale cheeks were pink like sakura flowers and there were a few bites on her lips that she probably got while fighting.
Kasumi-dono, Bayushi Haruka-sama came to visit. And... he looked at her carefuly The Lion Champion, Akodo Tomatsu-dono is with her.
In the blink of an eye she was near him. Say what? Kasumi's eyes turned grey, and Kael knew she was mad. And he knew even why. Where are they? Kasumi-dono, please calm down first. Maybe get a bath and change of clothes before you greet them... The man was trying to calm his daimyo down, but she just swiped and hit him on the ear. No time for the small matters. Haruka is here and I want to see her. Bring me Kelero, now.
Man bowed to Utaku and rushed to get her horse.
After 5 minutes Kael came back, leading huge, black horse that started to wave her tail and head when she saw Kasumi. Hello, my princess. Would you like to see Haruka and her handsome boy? She grabbed Kelero's mane and jumped on her back, not using a saddle nor briddle. She pushed horse's back with her foot wearing jika-tabi and rushed to see those that came.
Didn't take long for her to get to the main stable in the middle of Shiro Utaku. In a full gallop she showed up, passing by those that tried to run away from her horse. Kelero pranced a few steps in front of Haruka and Tomatsu when Kasumi pulled her mane. "Haaaaaaaaruka!!!" Probably every citizen of this place could hear her loud, yet pleasing to the ear, voice.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 18, 2011 6:24:45 GMT -5
The charge of the Utaku battle steed hardly troubled Haruka at all. She wasn't looking back to see if Tomatsu was reacting to it, but that was hardly her concern. She looked rather bemused beyond her mask, and in the face of her old daimyo she thought it was foolish to try and keep this image of the deceptive soul on.
Pulling it aside and revealing her face finally she bowed to Kasumi fully. "Oh my, Kasumi-sama, what a pleasure it is to see you once again. It has been far too long."
She hoped that their presence here would not trouble the daimyo of the Utaku family. Haruka only then waited to see how her mood might be as she'd only come rather loudly riding along and it was hard to tell. This could either be a very good day or a very bad one for poor Tomatsu. Although she was the one who was injured, she found herself placing herself between the two for now.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Sept 18, 2011 7:35:33 GMT -5
Jumped off of her horse, Kasumi looked at Haruka with a wrinkle between her eyebrows. After Haruka has taken her mask off, Kasumi smiled and wrapped her arms around her guesst. Welcome back! What took you so long to come and visit us again? She looked at Haruka from her toes to head and moved a step back, to have a better view. I see your danna-sama did a good job here... She poined at Haruka's tummy. Did you come here to give birth or was there another reason? Kasumi rubbed her nose and smiled. Oh, doesn't matter why. Most important you are here. She turned her head to other one that came with her old subordinate. Blue eyes turned grey for a second, but she has closed her eyes and after she opened them... it was back to being blue. I welcome you in Shiro Utaku, Akodo-sama. bowed her head to him, not ever for a second taking her eyes off of his face. I am Utaku Kasumi, lady of this place. Please forgive me my look, but I was in a middle of a practice, when I as informed, that Haruka came back... so I rushed in a hurry. Only now she tried to brush wet locks from her face. It didn't help so she gave up.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Sept 18, 2011 14:32:16 GMT -5
He nodded his head to her. Thank you for extending your welcome. The Khan's invitation to explore so of my family linage here was most welcome to me. We did need a distraction for the war at Toshi Ranbo, and my generals have the situation well at hand. Bayushi-san was nice enough to accompany me and be my sort of interpreter of your fair clan, so that I might understand the things my mother never told me about her clan. He bowed his head to her and then stood there, clearly not the focus of this conversation. He was happy just to be standing as background and not actively part of the conversation. This was strange land for him and he was happy just to sit and absorb everything in rather than being thrust into a situation he was not prepared for. He simply looked around and absorbed all the different men and women moving around. While he knew he was Champion of the Lion, he would have to be on his best behavior, as men were not favored here, much like the Matsu of his own clan, but much more aggressive in nature.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 18, 2011 17:08:33 GMT -5
Haruka gave a rather content sigh, hugging Kasumi back with some decent strength. She had missed the sisterhood of the Shiotome, her home, her people. It was a rather strange gesture probably to most other clans, but this was their way to embrace life and the people they cared for in the fullest.
"Thank you onee-sama (older sister), it is good to be back."
She only stepped back a slight pace. And looked her over, "Yes, well the reason for our visit is to allow the majestic Tomatsu-sama here to see his mother's land for himself. We will be staying for a short time I suspect."
Haruka knew this might come as a disappointment to her former daimyo. "But I also wanted to take this wonderful chance to let you know that this is far from my last visit. As my duties to the Scorpion Clan will include acting as an ambassador to our beloved Unicorn. I shall return when the troubles of war do finally pass and will be spending many weeks at a time to act as the voice of the Scorpion on their behalf."
She smiled widely as she was finally able to pass on something on to Kasumi after so many months away from her and the Utaku plains. She took a deep breath of the sweet air as she looked between the two.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Sept 19, 2011 1:49:02 GMT -5
Kasumi nodded her head as she listened. She pat Haruka's cheek, like she was a little girl. Then I have to thank you, Akodo-sama for bringing her here. She bowed her head lightly to him and a really gentle smile brighted her face up. It seems she was truly happy, her blue, gaijin eyes started to sparkle when she looked at Haruka and then at Tomatsu. It doesn't matter now how long you are here, Haruka. You are welcome to stay as long as you want. You too, Akodo-sama. You both shall be my guests. But I assume that you, Haruka, would rather stay at your own house, with your mother? Looked at Kelero We will walk, I bet you want to see if anything has changed after you left... She glanced at Haruka and patted Kelero's crupper. Go home, my princess. Kelero turned hear head and looked at her companion. Moved her ears backwards and forwards and nodded. Her black as starless night mane touched Kasumi's cheek and she smiled again. Don't exaggerate. Just go home and you have my permission to bite Kael if he doesn't give you water... Horse, surprisingly, looked content and started to trot to from where they both came before. So, tell me the news from the big world, friends. I had to come back here some time ago... and there are things keeping me here, so all I can do is listen to the news from those that come and visit. Kasumi pulled a white ribbon and her hair fall down like a bloody cascade, touching her hips and buttocks.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 19, 2011 6:39:21 GMT -5
Haruka nodded a bit, coming up to Kasumi's side as they would walk together. Tomatsu could see that they walked almost as one, their legs moving like a well planned unit of infantry, but this was natural to them. They fell in line with one another, as Haruka allowed Kasumi to take the lead and taking a slightly more submissive stance for now as she began to explain, silently hoping that Tomatsu wouldn't lag behind hind, or heaven forbid find some trouble.
"In truth, being in the Scorpion clan allows me to see and hear things much more clearly than ever before. It makes me wonder if the empire does not wish for the Unicorn to concern itself in the affairs of the other clans. But I digress...
Many things have been stirring in the heart of the Empire. I'm not certain what you've heard, but of course after the Yobanjin conflict was finished the Shogun had a rather jarring announcement to make."
It was strange, walking and talking with her hands as if this were a normal thing for the two. She had become far more outspoken and confident to speak with her experiences in court. But this was nothing like the formalities of the stuffy rooms that Haruka had come to loathe. But as ever vigilant, the next reaction out of Kasumi would likely tell how the rest of the tone of the conversation would go. She was casually placing some very important news into her ears, she suspected.
"Kaneka has thrown down his mantle and seeks to claim his place as emperor, calling himself Toturi the third.."
While her face was faced forward, her eye came to the corner as she scanned for Kasumi's expression along with her reaction, not breaking her walking stride..
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Sept 19, 2011 7:40:30 GMT -5
Tomatsu, like a dutiful puppy, kept his pace a few steps behind him. Quickly learning the lessons of the Utaku man, he kept silent behind them, watching the two women in front of him, seeing a side of his mother, and of Haruka, he never knew, learning more about his mother than he ever could from some records and stories. These women were truly some of the strangest in Rokugan. He just kept his eyes open, observing the female warriors around him, and praying that he could keep himself out of trouble, he did have a weakness for the Utaku woman. A broad smile crossed his face, and he took in a deep breath.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Sept 19, 2011 9:07:27 GMT -5
Oh, that I know. And it makes me thorn apart. Do you remember, when you came to me to ask for my permission for your marriage with the Scorpion Champion, Bayushi Senshi-sama... I've told you that Yobanjin attack is just the begining. I have warned you that danger isn't approaching us only from their side. And that it won't end with destroying them. Kasumi looked at her nails not missing even one step This fight between brothers already divided Rokugani. One seek power, one seek order. Strong yet slender shoulders moved up and down when a deep drawn sigh came out of her mouth. As I've said before I am telling you now: It's gona be worse. Only death and blood can end this civil strike. Question is... who will be a scapegoat in the end. Because I am affraid... that if Kaneka loses Hantei's side can blame us as it all began here, on our land. And if Kaneka wins... it makes me affraid even more when I think about him dealing with Yobanjin that invaded our land. To me, Haruka, you should know... that the most important things are our land and our people we promised to protect. Pure blue eyes looked at Haruka's face without even one blink. I don't know what will happen, but it won't be good, no matter what. Many good people will die, both samurai and those of lower status. Land will suffer and so will we later, when Earth refuse to feed us. And we should just hope that after that... nothing strike us from the outside of Rokugan. This is what I tell you.
She knew that saying all of this would seem like a treason to some point, but she never lied to others and mostly - to herself. I hope by staying that I am not hurting your feelings Haruka... Kasumi glanced back, at Tomatsu Nor yours, Akodo-sama.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Sept 19, 2011 9:14:54 GMT -5
He shook his head to break his revery, having been called out of his ideal world filled with Utaku women. He smiled at his host and politely responded, No Utaku-san, your words are astute in nature. Know that if there is an external threat, the Lion will rally to the Unicorn's aide and the aide of the Empire as a whole. We hope that we can all lay down our own issues for the good of the Empire as a whole.
He bowed his head slightly. A good diplomatic response was always handy when it was required. He went back to watching the various battle maidens around, each one more beautiful than the last, keeping a few paces behind the two women.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Sept 19, 2011 16:50:58 GMT -5
"I would never take offense to any word of yours Kasumi-sama."Her gaze returned to the front as she stared off to the distant mountains on the horizon, encircling the plains protectively. This was the kind of thing she expected though. In truth her feelings were the same, but with a bit more that went unsaid.
"I can understand your desires and only wish that I could remain and ride along with you." Her eyes seemed saddened by the prospect of it all, but her face remained otherwise hardened.
She seemed to shake her head in realization, as it was all far too harsh a way to open the conversation. "My apologies samas." She sighed, bringing her hands up to her hair to sweep it aside. "This is the kind of talk that is best kept for when we have a drink in hand, and more private settings. Please let us dwell then on more happy things. Such as the reason we are here."
She turned gently to look back to Tomatsu. "I believe the Shining Lion desired to see more of our stables, to learn of our women, and to see our culture first hand. Certainly no better way to do so than here." She would force a smile on her face. So few seemed the allies of Toturi at times.
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Post by Utaku Kasumi on Sept 19, 2011 19:19:38 GMT -5
Kasumi smiled and patted Haruka's shoulder. My desires are more than that, my dear Haruka. But about that... we will talk later, just the two of us... Waved her hand to children running near the road they were walking. Kasumi-dono! Kasumi-dono!A few girls that were brave enough to come started to call her name while jumping around. Do you have anything sweet? Kasumi-dono! I've lost my first tooth! About five years old girl showed that she really lost a calf's tooth. Kasumi-dono! Can we come to play with you later? Kids were talking at the same time, all calling her name freely. Kasumi wasn't bothered by that at all. Nodded to everything children said. I am sorry that I have no sweets with me this time, but if you go to my house I believe someone in the kitchen will give you something really good, Maika. And I am proud of you and your new tooth, Reika. Also, I will play with you later. As you can see I have guests now that I need to escort to my house so they can rest a little. But I promise to play with you, Sachiko. Now go and play with your friends. She smiled to the children and started to walk again.
Kasumi listened to what Haruka has said. I see. Of curse, I see no reason for Akodo-sama to explore our stables, meet our women and try to understand our culture. But I think for now... all you need is a hot bath, fresh change of clothes and a real meal. And with that we could start Akodo-sama lessons. For a second Kasumi smirked while looking at him I hope you like meat, Akodo-sama. If not, you should try at least once to understand.
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Akodo Tomatsu
Lion Clan Mod
The Shining Lion
Lion Clan Champion?Samurai?Tactician?Loyal?Paragon of Sincerity?Defender of the Empire
Posts: 1,042
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Post by Akodo Tomatsu on Sept 19, 2011 19:24:02 GMT -5
Thank you Utaku-san, but I have tried boar once. It was..... not to my liking as other dishes were that night. The sushi was especially good if I recall. He smiled and nodded to both of them. Again thank you for your hospitality Utaku-san, I assure you that we Lion will invite you to visit and you shall be treated in kind. I believe Bayushi-san and I would enjoy a brief rest and a bath as our journey from Toshi Ranbo was long and hard. Would that be acceptable with Bayushi-san? He bowed his head slightly in respect to her, and then waited for her response.
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